Question 1

How do I register a company in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

Cyprus company incorporation typically takes 7–10 working days. You need a unique company name approval from the Registrar of Companies, a registered office address in Cyprus, at least one director and one shareholder, and a memorandum/articles of association. The standard vehicle is a private limited company by shares. Corpora handles the full process — name reservation, document filing, beneficial-owner register, opening corporate bank accounts and setting up substance.

Question 2

What is the corporate income tax rate in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

The headline corporate income tax rate in Cyprus is 12.5%, one of the lowest in the European Union. Combined with the Notional Interest Deduction (NID) and the IP Box regime, the effective tax rate on qualifying activities can fall significantly lower. Cyprus also has 65+ double-taxation treaties and a participation exemption on dividends.

Question 3

Can a non-resident own a Cyprus company?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are no nationality or residency restrictions on shareholders or directors of Cyprus companies. However, to qualify as a Cyprus tax-resident company (and benefit from the 12.5% rate and tax treaties), the company must have its management and control exercised in Cyprus — typically meaning a majority of resident directors and board meetings held on the island.

Question 4

What is the minimum share capital for a Cyprus company?

Accepted Answer

There is no statutory minimum share capital for a Cyprus private limited company. In practice, companies are typically incorporated with €1,000 of authorised share capital. Regulated entities (CIFs, EMIs, payment institutions, CASPs) have higher capital requirements set by sector legislation.

Question 5

What is the Notional Interest Deduction (NID) in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

The NID allows Cyprus companies to deduct a notional interest on new equity capital injected into the business. The deduction is calculated by reference to a reference rate plus a margin and can reduce the effective corporate tax rate well below the headline 12.5%. Anti-abuse rules apply — the equity must be 'new' (post-1 January 2015) and used to produce taxable income.

Question 6

How does the Cyprus IP Box regime work?

Accepted Answer

Cyprus offers a deemed deduction of 80% on qualifying profits derived from qualifying intangible assets, resulting in an effective tax rate as low as 2.5%. Qualifying assets include patents, copyrighted software and other IP developed through R&D activities (subject to the OECD nexus approach). The regime aligns with BEPS Action 5.

Question 7

What is the 60-day rule for Cyprus tax residency?

Accepted Answer

An individual can become Cyprus tax-resident in a year by spending at least 60 days in Cyprus, not being tax-resident in any other state for more than 183 days, maintaining a permanent residence in Cyprus, and either carrying on business or being employed in Cyprus. The standard rule is 183 days; the 60-day rule is an alternative for highly mobile individuals.

Question 8

Are dividends taxed in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

Cyprus generally exempts dividends received by a Cyprus tax-resident company from foreign subsidiaries (participation exemption). Outbound dividends paid by a Cyprus company to non-resident shareholders are subject to no withholding tax. A 17% Special Defence Contribution applies only to dividends paid to Cyprus tax-resident and Cyprus-domiciled individuals.

Question 9

How do I get a CySEC licence in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

A Cyprus Investment Firm (CIF) licence from CySEC requires a programme of operations, fit-and-proper management, organisational structure, capital (€75K to €750K depending on services), AML/compliance frameworks, and ICT/DORA-compliant systems. The application typically takes 6–12 months. Other CySEC licences (AIFM, UCITS, ASP) follow similar pathways.

Question 10

Can I get an EMI or payment institution licence from Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Central Bank of Cyprus authorises Electronic Money Institutions (EMIs) and Payment Institutions (PIs) under the EU PSD2 framework. Initial capital ranges from €20K (PI) to €350K (EMI). EU passporting allows the licensed entity to provide services across all 27 member states.

Question 11

What is required for an iGaming licence in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

Cyprus offers a Class B betting licence through the National Betting Authority (NBA) for online sports betting. Requirements include a Cyprus-incorporated entity, a designated officer, technical infrastructure, AML and responsible-gambling policies, and a €30,000 annual licence fee. Casino-style igaming is licensed separately under the Cyprus Casinos regime.

Question 12

How long does a Cyprus regulatory licence application take?

Accepted Answer

Typical timelines: CySEC CIF — 6 to 12 months; CBC EMI/PI — 6 to 9 months; NBA Class B betting — 3 to 6 months; MiCA CASP — 6 to 9 months. Front-loading the application with a complete dossier, well-documented governance and DORA-aligned ICT framework materially shortens the process.

Question 13

How do I open a corporate bank account in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

Cyprus banks require: certificate of incorporation, memorandum and articles, register of directors and shareholders, beneficial-owner declaration, business plan, proof of source of funds, and KYC on each UBO (passport, address, professional CV). Approval typically takes 2–6 weeks for a properly prepared file. Corpora prepares packs designed for first-time approval.

Question 14

Which EU EMIs accept Cyprus companies?

Accepted Answer

Several EU EMIs onboard Cyprus companies, including Revolut Business, Wise, Airwallex, Payoneer and a number of Lithuanian / Estonian EMIs. Acceptance depends on the activity: regulated and high-risk sectors (igaming, crypto, payments) face stricter onboarding. We match clients to EMIs with demonstrated appetite for their sector.

Question 15

Can a Cyprus company hold cryptoassets?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a Cyprus company can hold cryptoassets, subject to AML/KYC obligations. If the activity falls within MiCA-defined services (custody, exchange, transfer, advice), the entity must be authorised as a CASP by CySEC. Tax treatment of crypto gains follows general Cyprus principles; trading gains are taxable, while investment gains may benefit from tax exemptions in specific circumstances.

Question 16

How can I get permanent residency in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

The most common route is Category F / Regulation 6(2) — fast-track permanent residency for non-EU nationals investing at least €300,000 in real estate (plus VAT) and demonstrating a stable annual income from outside Cyprus. Approval typically takes 2–4 months. Alternative routes include employment permits (Category E) and the digital nomad visa.

Question 17

What is the Cyprus digital nomad visa?

Accepted Answer

The Cyprus digital nomad visa allows non-EU remote workers and self-employed professionals to live in Cyprus for up to 12 months (renewable for 2 more years), provided they earn at least €3,500 net/month from foreign sources and have valid health insurance. Family members can be included. After 5 years, applicants may apply for permanent residency.

Question 18

Can I get an employment permit for senior staff relocating to Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Category E and the 'Companies of Foreign Interest' regime allow Cyprus-incorporated employers (with majority foreign ownership and minimum capital/turnover) to hire third-country senior management, key personnel and specialists with streamlined processing. Spouses receive automatic work rights. We coordinate the full pack with the Migration Department.

Question 19

How do I become a Cyprus citizen?

Accepted Answer

Cyprus citizenship is obtained primarily by descent (one Cypriot parent or grandparent) or by naturalisation after legal residence (typically 7 years, reduced for spouses of Cypriots and other categories). Citizenship-by-investment was abolished in 2020. Each route has specific documentary and language requirements assessed by the Civil Registry.

Question 20

What is MiCA and does it apply to my crypto company?

Accepted Answer

The Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) is the EU's harmonised framework for crypto-asset service providers (CASPs) and issuers of asset-referenced and e-money tokens. It applies to any entity providing crypto services to EU clients. Cyprus, via CySEC, is one of the more active competent authorities. CASP authorisation requires capital (€50K–€150K depending on services), governance, AML and ICT frameworks.

Question 21

What is DORA and does it apply to my Cyprus financial firm?

Accepted Answer

The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) consolidates ICT risk obligations across virtually all EU financial-services regimes. It applies to CIFs, EMIs, payment institutions, insurers, CASPs and others. Five workstreams: ICT risk management framework, incident management, resilience testing, third-party risk, and information sharing. Cyprus regulators are actively assessing readiness.

Question 22

Does the EU AI Act apply to my SaaS or fintech?

Accepted Answer

Likely yes if your product places AI systems on the EU market or uses AI in regulated decision-making. The AI Act's risk-based regime classifies systems into prohibited, high-risk, limited-risk and minimal-risk. Obligations apply in waves: prohibitions first, GPAI-model rules next, and full high-risk obligations 24 months after entry into force. We advise on classification and conformity assessment.

Question 23

What are the UBO register obligations in Cyprus?

Accepted Answer

Cyprus operates a beneficial-ownership register at the Registrar of Companies, accessible to competent authorities, AML-obliged entities and persons demonstrating a legitimate interest (post-CJEU 2022). Companies must file UBO information within prescribed deadlines and keep it current. Trusts file with a separate register. Non-compliance attracts daily administrative fines.

Question 24

Is Cyprus on any EU or OECD blacklist?

Accepted Answer

No. Cyprus is a full EU member state, fully compliant with OECD BEPS standards, and is not on the EU list of non-cooperative jurisdictions. Cyprus participates in automatic exchange of financial-account information (CRS), DAC6, DAC7 and the upcoming Pillar Two minimum-tax framework.

Question 25

How does Pillar Two affect my Cyprus group?

Accepted Answer

Pillar Two (the OECD/EU Minimum Tax Directive) applies a 15% global minimum effective tax rate to multinational groups with consolidated revenue above €750 million. In-scope groups must compute GloBE Income, top-up tax and undertaxed-profits-rule liabilities. Smaller groups remain unaffected. Cyprus has transposed the Directive and offers a Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (QDMTT).

Questions,
answered.

How do I register a company in Cyprus?

What is the corporate income tax rate in Cyprus?

Can a non-resident own a Cyprus company?

What is the minimum share capital for a Cyprus company?

What is the Notional Interest Deduction (NID) in Cyprus?

How does the Cyprus IP Box regime work?

What is the 60-day rule for Cyprus tax residency?

Are dividends taxed in Cyprus?

How do I get a CySEC licence in Cyprus?

Can I get an EMI or payment institution licence from Cyprus?

What is required for an iGaming licence in Cyprus?

How long does a Cyprus regulatory licence application take?

How do I open a corporate bank account in Cyprus?

Which EU EMIs accept Cyprus companies?

Can a Cyprus company hold cryptoassets?

How can I get permanent residency in Cyprus?

What is the Cyprus digital nomad visa?

Can I get an employment permit for senior staff relocating to Cyprus?

How do I become a Cyprus citizen?

What is MiCA and does it apply to my crypto company?

What is DORA and does it apply to my Cyprus financial firm?

Does the EU AI Act apply to my SaaS or fintech?

What are the UBO register obligations in Cyprus?

Is Cyprus on any EU or OECD blacklist?

How does Pillar Two affect my Cyprus group?

Speak with a senior advisor.

Questions,answered.

How do I register a company in Cyprus?

What is the corporate income tax rate in Cyprus?

Can a non-resident own a Cyprus company?

What is the minimum share capital for a Cyprus company?

What is the Notional Interest Deduction (NID) in Cyprus?

How does the Cyprus IP Box regime work?

What is the 60-day rule for Cyprus tax residency?

Are dividends taxed in Cyprus?

How do I get a CySEC licence in Cyprus?

Can I get an EMI or payment institution licence from Cyprus?

What is required for an iGaming licence in Cyprus?

How long does a Cyprus regulatory licence application take?

How do I open a corporate bank account in Cyprus?

Which EU EMIs accept Cyprus companies?

Can a Cyprus company hold cryptoassets?

How can I get permanent residency in Cyprus?

What is the Cyprus digital nomad visa?

Can I get an employment permit for senior staff relocating to Cyprus?

How do I become a Cyprus citizen?

What is MiCA and does it apply to my crypto company?

What is DORA and does it apply to my Cyprus financial firm?

Does the EU AI Act apply to my SaaS or fintech?

What are the UBO register obligations in Cyprus?

Is Cyprus on any EU or OECD blacklist?

How does Pillar Two affect my Cyprus group?

Speak with a senior advisor.

Questions,
answered.